Voluntary action and involuntary actions

Two types of action controlled by the human nervous system are (either) (a)voluntary action (b)involuntary action The peripheral nerves transmit both voluntary and involuntary actions.

Involves thought and free will Allows us to consciously control our skeletal muscles

 Voluntary actions is controlled by Cerebrum (fore-brain) which: (a)coordinates incoming information and then initiates impulses which are sent to the effectors. (b)may spontaneously initiates actions without any sensory stimulation.

Receptors involved: An action may be initiates by the stimulation of a receptor, or by the conscious will of the brain itself Inborned or learned actions Voluntary actions are learned actions

Role of voluntary action: To respond with the benefit of experience Parts of the nervous system involved: Reflex arc structures Interneurons(ascending and descending fibres )in the spinal cord Always involved the cerebrum

Slow response as the cerebrum needs time to think "before an action is carried out. Eg. ) if we want to ask question, we raise our hands.

The same stimulus may produce various responses. E.g..) when you are hungry, you may decide to eat or not to eat, or just need to drink water

Involuntary action

Does not involve thought Not under the control of the will Cannot control the activities examples; pumping of the heart and Peristalsis ,sweating, salivation, digestion, heartbeat

Spinal cord(spinal reflex action) Hind-brain(cranial reflex action) example blinking of the eyes

Reflex arc:afferent neurones(from receptors)to intermediate neurones in spinal cord and out through efferent neurones (to effectors) Hind-brain(in cranial reflex action)

 Reflex actions are inborn (already hardwired "at birth)

To respond quickly to avoid danger

Rapid response,as the cerebrum is not involved. Automatic response and no thinking involved.

The same stimulus always results in the same response(stereotyped response),example as in the knee jerk

 Involuntary action(reflex action)involving skeletal muscle: (a)knee jerk Involuntary action involving: (a)smooth muscles (b)cardiac muscles (c)glands,example,normal blood pressure

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